2019 Policy Agenda

We take a public health approach, recognizing that an individual’s health is shaped by life circumstances that fall outside the traditional purview of the health care system from community violence to structural racism, housing, income, education, and other social determinants of health and structural inequities. Therefore, our agenda seeks to advance equity around areas like economic justice which enhance wellbeing on an individual and community level.

Strengthen programs and policies like SNAP, TANF, and the earned income tax credit that help people stay out of poverty.

Support policies that advance quality jobs, worker protections, and other equitable practices like paid internship opportunities.

Health and Health Care

Promote dialogue and policy that supports Healthcare for All.

Expand Medicare for all.

We support a system where healthcare is a human right, guaranteed by health insurance for all, and accessible and free at the point of service.

Simplify the complex Medicaid determination and renewal process in Illinois, which currently impedes access to care and causes unnecessary strain on our safety net.

Advance action and legislation for oversight and enforcement of nursing home safety laws to protect the health of the over 100,000 Illinoisans who reside in homes.

Lead efforts to ensure that home- and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities are adequately funded and monitored, in order to allow all adults to live in the least restrictive environment of their choosing.

Champion efforts to ensure that all people—particularly undocumented and other marginalized populations—have access to safe, affirming, and welcoming healthcare and social services.

Support healthcare providers and institutions to adopt and advance trauma-informed policies and practices which can potentially improve patient engagement, reduce avoidable care and excess costs, and improve public health.

Use an equity lens in the development and implementation of public health improvement plans. A “health equity in all policies” approach supports the health of all people.